Vertical docking station

ABSTRACT

A docking station, serving as a digital hub and cable management platform, support a laptop computer ( 42 ) in an upright position with the laptop screen ( 43 ) in a comfortable viewing position relative to the working position of the user. The laptop ( 42 ) is positioned in an upright slot ( 4 ) in the docking station, with the connection ports easily seen and accessed. The surface of the laptop slot ( 4 ) is lined with non-slip surface ( 3 ) to ease insertion and control of the laptop ( 42 ) as it is lowered into the slot ( 4 ). An adjustable front cover ( 15 ) defining the front boundary of the slot ( 4 ) covers the keyboard of the mobile computer ( 42 ) so that the user does not need to view two keyboards, and the appearance of the docked laptop ( 42 ) is clean and aesthetic. Wireless data and power transmission into the laptop ( 42 ) is provided while the laptop ( 42 ) is in the slot ( 4 ) so that the laptop ( 42 ) can be used in the docking station without a need for cable connections ( 45, 46 ) at all.

This is related to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/383,964 filed onMay 28, 2002 entitled “Vertical Docking Station.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to a docking station for a mobile computer, suchas a laptop, tablet pc, ultra portable, desktop replacement, that liftsthe mobile computer screen to a more comfortable viewing position, andallows the mobile computer to be easily connected to a full sizekeyboard, mouse, printer, network, and other USB peripherals. Inessence, the vertical docking station converts a mobile computer to adesktop workstation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A docking station is a hardware component that complements a mobilecomputing device, such as laptops, tablet pcs, ultra portables, desktopreplacements and the like. Conventional docking devices for mobilecomputers are designed to connect directly to the mobile computer viaports on its back plane, or through a proprietary connector on thebottom of the mobile computer. Numerous approaches to docking stationshave been tried in the past, with varying degrees of success.

A port replicator is a long device that pushes onto the back plane ofthe laptop. It simply extends the existing ports and when removing thelaptop, the replicator remains connected to the cables of all theindividual devices. This way, the user forgoes the need to connect thesecables individually to the computer. However, the friction of connectingmultiple ports can make this docking alternative difficult for the user,and the mobile computer and the dock need to be pushed together withproper alignment.

Some solutions include a proprietary docking port with very small pinsthat eases this connection. The port is usually at the bottom of thelaptop. The docking surface is horizontal, and the connection is made bypushing the laptop onto the device. However, once again, most of thesesolutions assume the user will attach a second display, and the laptopdisplay may not be used at all while docked.

Almost all docking stations position the portable computer parallel tothe plane of the desktop working surface after physical connection tothe dock, even though a full size auxiliary keyboard is used instead ofthe compact keyboard that is typically part of the laptop computer.Docking solutions that continue to use the laptop screen for viewinghave the disadvantage that the laptop is in most cases connected on ahorizontal plane relative to the desktop surface, and the laptop screensits much lower than a traditional monitor when docked at the desktop,making the use of this docking solution very uncomfortable when used foran extended period of time. When a full size keyboard is connected, thelaptop keyboard takes up space on the desktop between the dockedkeyboard and the laptop monitor.

Many docking stations and port replicators include a video portconnection to a fixed monitor on the desktop surface. When the laptop isattached, the video signals are passed through either the laptop VGAconnector or the proprietary docking connector to a full size monitor.

Many currently available external monitors now use LCD flat screens.This is the same technology used on laptop screens. Therefore, thenecessity of the external monitor comes into question. Aside from thevery small sub-notebook computers or the extra large screen requirementsof graphics and design professionals, the external monitor brings littleadded value.

Most docking solutions are built for a specific mobile computingplatform. They have a specific docking connector that works with asingle laptop type. Furthermore, the power connection is also usuallydesigned for single laptop. This means that every time the portablecomputing platform is changed, or a new model is introduced, a newdocking solution must be procured. Even across single manufacturer'sproduct lines, the docking solution is often specific to single model orgroup of models adding significant cost and inconvenience to the upgradepath.

An alternative is a universal approach that currently leans towardsdevices that perform a single or limited set of functions. This mayinclude plugging in one device that creates a network connection andanother that offers a serial port. This creates a need to use multiple‘docks’ and inherently conflicts with many of the key benefits—ease ofuse, simplicity etc.

Another solution that is often used as a universal docking connection isa multi-port docking bar that connects the laptop via a Universal SerialBus (USB) connection on the laptop computer. This sits loosely at theside or back of the laptop. Usually these devices connect the keyboard,mouse, parallel, serial, and ethernet ports via a single USB cableconnection. A single USB connection docks the laptop. All of the cablesare spread out on the desktop behind the laptop.

Current docking solutions include connections to the various peripheralson the rear of the dock. However, the cables simply extend out the backand on to the peripheral connection without a cable management solution.Most of the cables remain loosely arranged around the back of the dockedlaptop. Any cable management must be done with a separate device or withfurniture.

However, a universal solution that adapts in dimension to fit thevarious shapes and sizes of laptops and uses a simple easy-to-usecoherent docking approach is new to this industry. Furthermore, thisinnovation accomplishes the cable connections and positions the laptopfor comfortable viewing. This advantage is greatly needed by the manyusers working longer than a few minutes per day on their portablecomputers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A portable computer docking station in accordance with the inventionprovides a physical support and connection platform that facilitatesquick and easy connection of a laptop computer to needed peripherals andthe network at a user's workspace. The docking station places the laptopscreen at a comfortable viewing position, and provides a facility forconvenient component/cable storage and management. Also, it adapts indimension to offer these advantages to portable computers of varyingsize and dimension.

This docking station acts as a digital hub and cable management platformas well as a laptop support designed to place the laptop screen in acomfortable viewing position relative to the working position of theuser. The invention simplifies the user setup time and procedure whenconnecting the portable computer wherever their workspace may belocated. Moreover, once the laptop is connected, the user feels muchmore comfortable with their working position relative to the laptopcomputer and its viewable screen area. Once the laptop is placed withinthis docking station, the position and height of the laptop can beadjusted by simple adjustments in the docking station to comfortably fitthe end user viewing requirements.

In this docking station, the laptop is position almost perpendicular tothe plane of the desktop surface, lifting the position of the screenupward into a good ergonomic position. The vertical docking stationallows a full size keyboard without using extra desktop space because ofthe upright angle of the laptop computer.

One beneficial feature of a vertical dock in accordance with thisinvention is an upward orientation of the connectors when the laptop isin the slot in the docking station, thereby giving the users easy accessto the place where they need to connect the power and USB cables to thelaptop. It is very easy to connect cables to a surface that is directlyin front of you.

The surface of the laptop slot is built with a non-slip surface toprevent the laptop from rapidly falling into the slot. The rubber feetor bottom surface of the laptop engages this non-slip surface whiledocking, so that the laptop slips smoothly and with easy control intothe slot. The bottom of the slot also has a rubber surface to protectthe laptop.

A cosmetic cover covers the keyboard of the mobile computer so that theuser does not need to view two keyboards and the appearance of thedocked laptop is clean and aesthetic. The cover is adjustable to fit thesize of the particular laptop installed in the vertical docking station.The cosmetic cover can also be removed from the vertical dock forreplacement with another color or simply to ease the setup of the laptopconfiguration.

If a second screen is desired this can also be connected. However, mostusers will have no need to use an external monitor as the laptop screenitself will suffice.

This invention offers a way to store and organize the multiple cablesextending from the back of the laptop. The bay cleans up the desktop byoffering a space to hold all the clutter of cables, connectors, andpower bricks that accumulates behind a connected portable computer whenassociated with traditional docking solutions. The cable bay also hasfeatures of cable management that carry out two functions—storage ofexcess cables, connectors, etc. and the guidance of cables to positionswhere the users need the cables.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and its many features and advantages will becom betterunderstood upon reading the detailed description of the preferredembodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a simplified exploded view of a vertical docking station inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the docking station shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear isometric view of the docking station shown in FIG. 2,but with the rear housing removed to show the cable bay.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the docking station shown in FIG. 1,showing in phantom the position of the laptop computer when insertedinto the docking station.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the docking station shown in FIG. 4, withthe laptop computer shown in phantom.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the vertical docking station shown in FIGS. 4and 5, with the laptop computer inserted.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the docking station shown in FIG. 2, lookingdown, with the front cover removed.

FIG. 8 is an elevation of the inside of the front cover on the dockingstation shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a plan view from the top of the docking station base shown inFIG. 3, showing the cable bay without loaded peripherals.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a wireless power embodiment of a dockingstation in accordance with this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts, and more particularly to FIG. 1, anexploded view of a vertical docking station in accordance with theinvention is shown having a dock base 1 to which is attached a laptopsupport plate 2. The laptop support plate 2 has an upturned front lipthat defines, with the upright back surface, a vertical dock bay or slot4 for receiving a laptop computer, as shown in FIG. 5. An anti-slip foamsheet 3 made of foamed Neoprene or some other suitable, preferablyelastomeric, material is attached to the front of the upright and thelower support surfaces of the laptop support plate 2 to prevent slippingof the laptop computer and ease entry as it is loaded into the dockingstation. A metal sheet 47 covers the under surface of base 1, and rubberfeet 36 attach to the bottom of the sheet 47.

A height adjustment ball 23 on a threaded post 22 is threaded into atapped receptacle 21 on the rear of the base 1 for adjustment of theheight and angle of the laptop screen. A sliding front cover 15 attachesto the base by sliding onto an I-section support 16 by way of a frontcover sliding guide 17 (shown in FIG. 2) that attaches to the backsideof the sliding front cover 15. A cable support rubber insert 27 having aslotted cable support membrane 25 is fitted into an opening in the topof a cable bay housing 5. A rabbit 48 around the front edge of the cablebay housing 5 receives the laptop support plate 2 to enclose the rearcable management and storage area between the cable bay housing 5 andthe laptop support plate 2.

The cable bay housing 5, shown in FIG. 2, is attached to the laptopsupport plate 2, and the height adjustment ball 23 is shown attached tothe dock base 1. The front cover sliding guide 17 of the front cover 15slides over the front cover I-section support 16 for vertical adjustmentof the position of the front cover 15. The cover 15 can be stopped atany position along its sliding path. If the friction is not great enoughto hold the cover in place anywhere along the sliding path, a frictionscrew 53 (shown in FIG. 8) can be tightened to adjust this friction.

The sliding front cover 15 of the vertical docking mechanism servesprimarily as a cosmetic cover that adjusts to fit the dimensions ofalmost all laptops when they are loaded into the docking station. Usersof the docking station will have preferences as to how much of the frontof the laptop they want to cover. Moreover, the user can easily slidethe cover to the exact position either covering or leaving exposed thelaptop buttons near the laptop hinge region where most laptopmanufacturers place the power switch, light emitting diode (LED)indicators, and sometimes even speakers. The cover also provides a flatsurface that keeps the laptop front protected when inserted. This entirearea works similarly to the pouch of a laptop carrying case. Covers maybe easily swapped and easily removed in case the user needs access tothe laptop keys during system setup, and covers of differing dimensionsand sizes may be substituted to accommodate user tastes and sizes ofdifferent laptops.

The easy connection of the power and data cables to the laptop atloading into the docking station is facilitated by positioning cables inclose proximity to the laptop ports for ready connection. A typicallaptop use scenario involves pulling a power supply out of the bag andseeking a place to plug in and organize the tangle of cables on thedesktop. The laptops may have a power cable on either side of thelaptop. Therefore, the cable management needs to hold the cablessecurely in place on either side. The rubber insert 27 with slottedcable support membrane 25 allows the larger part of the cable to pushthrough the slot yet maintains a clamp on the cable at the correctlength for easy plug-in to the laptop computer. This function applies toany other cables the user may want to have handy such as a securitycable or another data cable.

The cable bay rear housing 5 serves a similar purpose to the frontcover. It encloses a cable bay within the cable bay housing 5 andprovides storage space at the back of the docking station, facilitatingclearance from the desktop of much of the clutter present with mostdocking mechanisms, and allowing easy access and organization of allthese components. The cable bay holds power supplies, network adapters,wireless network and keyboard/mouse transceiver, wireless power supplyand controls, and other sundry components and peripherals laptop usersneed and use on a daily basis, thereby eliminating the usual clutteraround the laptop. As the USB hub consolidates the connection of most ofthese items, they can be connected and placed in the rear of theinvention when cables are routed and connected. The housing 5 isdesigned to both enclose and allow cables to run from inside the dockingstation to outside while shielding the clutter within the back cablemanagement bay. This design also allows the free movement of air fromthe base of the docking station up into the cable bay and out the topvia the cable support slot 25. Vents or louvers (not shown) can also beprovided in the cable bay housing for this purpose. This prevents thebuildup of heat from the power supply. The housing 5 protrudes out overthe dock base 1 allowing a space for both the cables to run and air toflow in and upward convection cooling the cable bay.

A cable port 28 provides both internal and external access via aflexport cable (not shown) to a USB hub 29, shown in FIG. 3. If the userdecides to use a wireless keyboard and mouse, avoiding all cablesexternal to the docking station, the flexport cable can simply beremoved and the connection to the hub can be made internally. If theuser wants to connect digital cameras or other items external to thevertical dock, the flexport cable brings the USB connection to theoutside of the housing.

The laptop support plate 2 includes a mounting mechanism to hold thelaptop power brick 37, power and data cables, and other wirelessconnections in a neat and organized manner, as shown in FIG. 3. Velcroconnections hold some items in place while plastic holders connect otheritems. On the cable bay side of the laptop support plate 2 ahook-and-loop surface 51, such as Velcro, is attached to help organizeall the items stored in this area. The surface may also include a seriesof holes for inserting plastic cable locks. A flex shelf power supplyholder 8 with one surface having a Velcro hook surface will hold thepower brick away from the rest of the items placed in the bay.

The anti slip support plate foam rubber sheet 3 allows the laptop to beplaced into the docking mechanism without dropping quickly to the bottomof the enclosure. As the laptop is slid into the laptop holding bay, thefriction between the back of the laptop and the foam on the verticaldock back plane engages the laptop, keeps it from quickly falling to thebottom of the slot, and makes it easy for the user to easily control itwhile guiding it into position. The bottom surface is also foam coveredto further protect the laptop.

The components in the cable bay within the cable bay cover 5 include thelaptop power supply brick 37, which rests on the flex shelf 8. This flexshelf attaches to the laptop support plate 2 because this plate iscovered with Velcro backing adhesive 51. Cable lock down slots 11 arealso attached via this Velcro material 51. A wireless peripheraltransceiver 40 also attaches in the cable bay via the Velcro surface 51.The USB hub 29 slides into position at the base of the cable bay andallows the attachment of the USB peripherals in the cable bay. Thecables exiting the cable bay 4 are pushed into the cable lock down slots11 and the geometry of these slots hold them steady and out of the wayso the cable bay housing 5 can be correctly attached to the base withoutthe cables obstructing the connection. The cable bay housing releasehooks 10 snap into the cable bay housing 5 and hold it in place. Theserelease hooks 10 are pushed inward on both sides to release the cablebay housing 5. The cable bay housing 5 is ventilated in the closedposition by all the openings already mentioned at the bottom as well asby cable bay air vents 7. In case the user wants to connect devicesoutside the cable bay, a flexport cable (not shown) can be snapped intoflex port cable hold down posts 14 (shown in FIG. 9). This cable extendsthe USB hub connection from the inside of the cable bay to the outside.The cable bay housing 5 can be secured for security purposes by screwsthat attach to the cable bay housing lock tabs 38, although the housingstays in place without this extra security.

The lateral dimension of the upper region of the laptop support plate 2is narrower than the lateral dimension of the laptop computer 42, asshown in FIG. 4, which facilitates easy insertion of the laptop 42 intoand removal out of the slot 4. The USB hub data cable 45 and the powercable 46 to the laptop 42 are shown extending out of the cable supportslot and connecting to the back surface of the laptop 42. The laptopscreen 43 is shown in the upright position positioned for comfortableviewing. The sliding front cover 15 is shown covering the laptopkeyboard. The non-slip rubber feet 36 are shown extending below thebottom surface of the dock base 1.

The USB hub data cable 45 and the power cable 46 to laptop are shown inFIG. 5 extending out of the cable support slot and connecting to theback surface of the laptop. The flexport cable port 28 is visible fromthis perspective and shows where external USB devices will be connectedon the outside of the docking station. This may include a USB keyboard,mouse, or digital camera. The height adjustment ball 23 extends belowthe dock base 1 and will extend further if threaded downward from theheight adjustment threaded receptacle 21, which is not visible in thisview.

The slotted membrane 27 of the cable support insert 25, shown in FIG. 6,keeps the cables held in position so when the laptop is removed and thenreinserted, the cables are held in the proper position ready to beeasily reconnected.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the invention with the sliding front cover 15removed. This view shows the shape and construction of the front cover Isection support 16 and the slider guide that is adjacent to it.

The backside of the front cover 15, shown in FIG. 8, has the front coversliding-guide 17 snap onto the front cover 15. In turn, this completeassembly slides over the front cover I-section support 16 that isvisible in FIG. 7.

The vertical dock support plate 2 has a foam surface that both protectsthe laptop and keeps it from rapidly slipping to the bottom of the dock.An alternative configuration envisions a wireless power technologyinside. The goal is to create a completely wireless docking solution.This means no wires to run the keyboard, no wires to interface with thenetwork, and no wires to transfer power to the laptop and its battery.The technology of Bluetooth and 802.11 cover the first technologies andthese will normally be incorporated into the laptop. Transfers will beheld in the rear bay. The wireless power is another technology. Thevertical dock lends itself to the application of wireless power becausethe support plate 2 can be embedded with technology to allow wirelesspower transfer to the laptop. The power from the support plate 2 of thevertical dock will transfer energy to the laptop from this surface. Twoversions of this wireless power transfer are currently envisioned forthis docking station.

The first wireless power transfer embodiments, shown in FIG. 10, usescable-free power transmission to the laptop 42 while it is in the slot 4of the docking station, using a “power pad” 50 made by MobileWise in LosAltos, Calif., referred to by them as a Wire-Free Electricity Base. Itconnects to standard electrical outlets and comprises a pad with a gridof minute metal contact points. It can be bonded to the anti-slip foamsheet 3, or preferably, it can be incorporated into the anti-slip foamsheet 3 and serve both functions. A laptop placed in contact with thepad will automatically draw the correct amount of power from the pad'spoints to recharge its batteries. Electronic integrated circuits in thelaptop communicate with chips installed in the Wire-Free ElectricityBase to deliver the necessary power only to the points that are incontact with the laptop.

A second wireless power transfer embodiment of the docking station usesinduction to transfer power to the laptop. An inductive charger in thedocking station is positioned adjacent to internal coils of a receiverin the laptop when it is properly positioned in the slot 4. This schemedoes not require any contact at all, unlike the “power pad” approach.The components for remote power transmission using this scheme areavailable from SplashPower in Cambridge, England.

Obviously, numerous other modifications, combinations and variations ofthe preferred embodiments described above are possible and will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art in light of this specification.Moreover, many functions and advantages are described for the preferredembodiments, but in some uses of the invention, not all of thesefunctions and advantages would be needed. Therefore, I contemplate theuse of the invention using fewer than the complete set of notedfunctions and advantages. Moreover, several species and embodiments ofthe invention are disclosed herein, but not all are specificallyclaimed, although all are covered by generic claims. Nevertheless, it ismy intention that each and every one of these species and embodiments,and the equivalents thereof, be encompassed and protected within thescope of the following claims, and no dedication to the public isintended by virtue of the lack of claims specific to any individualspecies. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all theseembodiments, species, modifications and variations, and the equivalentsthereof, are to be considered within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the following claims, wherein I claim:

1. A docking station for supporting a mobile computer, such as a laptopcomputer, on a work surface, said mobile computer having an integralkeyboard and a screen pivotally connected thereto, comprising: a base,front cover and rear support plate defining a slot that is upwardly openand also open on two opposite sides for receiving said laptop in anupright position with said screen lifted upward into a good ergonomicposition for viewing; said front cover being positioned relative to saidrear support plate to cover desired portions or all of said laptopkeyboard when said laptop is inserted in said slot.
 2. A docking stationas defined in claim 1, further comprising: a cable bay enclosed by saidrear support plate and a cable bay cover for containing and concealingrelated items such as cables, power supplies, network adapters, wirelessnetwork and keyboard/mouse transceivers, wireless power supply andcontrols.
 3. A docking station as defined in claim 2, furthercomprising: wireless data and power transceivers in said cable bay forwireless transmission of power to said laptop and for wirelesstransmission of data to and from said laptop while in said slot.
 4. Adocking station as defined in claim 2, further comprising: anelastomeric cable guide in the top of said cable bay cover for holdingcables to be connected to said laptop in an easy to reach position.
 5. Adocking station as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a tiltadjustment on said base for tilting said front cover and said rearsupport plate to change said angle of said slot relative to said worksurface.
 6. A docking station as defined in claim 1, further comprising:a non-slip surface that facilitates control of the laptop while loweringsaid laptop into said slot.
 7. A docking station for a mobile computer,such as a laptop computer, having a integral keyboard and a screenpivotally connected thereto at a hinge region, comprising: a base forlying on a work surface, such as a desktop, on which said dockingstation is to be used; a front cover and a rear support plate carried bysaid base, said front cover and rear support plate defining front andrear faces of a slot for receiving said laptop and supporting saidlaptop at an upright angle, with said screen lifted upward above saidslot into a good ergonomic position for viewing, said slot being open atone end, closed at an opposite end, and open on opposite sides,affording easy access to electrical connections and data storage deviceson rear and side edges of said laptop computer while in said slot; saidfront cover covering said laptop integral keyboard when said laptop isinserted in said slot.
 8. A docking station as defined in claim 7,further comprising: means for adjusting said upright angle of said slotrelative to said supporting surface.
 9. A docking station as defined inclaim 7, further comprising: a mechanism for adjusting said uprightangle of said slot relative to said supporting surface to a desiredupright angle for viewing said screen, and for holding said slot at saiddesired upright angle, said mechanism including an adjusting device forallowing a user of said docking station to rotate said front cover andsaid rear support plate relative to said work surface.
 10. A dockingstation as defined in claim 7, further comprising: an elastomeric endpad at said closed end of said slot to gently catch and support saidlaptop when inserted into said slot.
 11. A docking station as defined inclaim 7, further comprising: an elastomeric face pad on one of saidfront and rear faces of said slot to engage said laptop as it is beinginserted into said slot and ease the lowering of said laptop into saidslot.
 12. A docking station as defined in claim 7, further comprising: aUSB hub on said base, and a USB hub data cable connected to said USB huband routed to the top of said slot for connection to the laptop.
 13. Adocking station as defined in claim 12, further comprising: a cable lockdown slot on the back side of said rear support plate, near the topthereof, for receiving and holding said USB hub data cable in positionfor connection to said laptop.
 14. A docking station as defined in claim12, further comprising: an opening at the top of said docking stationthrough which said USB hub data cable can be routed.
 15. A dockingstation as defined in claim 7, further comprising: a wireless powertransfer device on said rear support plate for transferring electricalenergy to the laptop for charging laptop batteries and powering saidlaptop.
 16. A docking station as defined in claim 7, wherein: said frontcover is sized to expose laptop buttons and light emitting diodeindicators near said laptop hinge region.
 17. A docking station asdefined in claim 7, wherein: said laptop support plate has a lateraldimension that is narrower than the lateral dimension of said laptopcomputer, to facilitate easy insertion of said laptop computer into andremoval out of said slot.
 18. A docking station as defined in claim 7,further comprising: a digital USB hub on said base for inputting dataand connecting peripherals, such as an auxiliary keyboard, to saiddocking station; and a USB data cable connected to said hub andextending to said open end of said slot for connection to one of saidedges of said laptop computer.
 19. A docking station as defined in claim7, further comprising: a cable clamp on said rear support plate, on theside thereof opposite the face bounding said slot, that maintains aclamp on said cable and holds said cable at a convenient position foreasy plug-in to said laptop computer.
 20. A process for supporting alaptop computer for use on a work surface with an auxiliary keyboard,while concealing an integral keyboard of said laptop and presenting afolding screen of said laptop at a selected ergonomic upright viewingangle, comprising: inserting said laptop computer into a slot definedbetween a rear support plate and a front cover, said slot being open onthree sides and closed on a fourth side; adjusting said upright angle ofsaid slot relative to said supporting surface to a desired upright anglefor viewing said screen by rotating said front cover and said rearsupport plate relative to said work surface.
 21. A process as defined inclaim 20, wherein: said adjusting step includes adjusting an adjustablefoot on one edge of said base to change the elevation of said one edgeof said base relative to said work surface and thereby rotate said frontcover and said rear support plate relative to said work surface.
 22. Aprocess for using a laptop computer on a work surface, comprising:inserting said laptop computer into a slot defined between a rearsupport plate and a front cover of a docking station, said slot openingsidewardly and upwardly so that said laptop computer in said slot has agenerally upward orientation, with said screen extending upwardly abovesaid slot, and having laptop connectors facing upwardly and sidewardly,thereby giving users of said laptop computer easy access to connectorson said laptop computer for connecting a USB data cable running from aUSB hub on said docking station and extending out of top portions ofsaid docking station to a USB connector on said laptop computer;connecting USB data and peripheral cables into said USB hub forinputting to said laptop computer, and plugging said USB data cable fromsaid USB hub into said laptop USB connection.